The whole conversation around the risks of consuming sugar, added sugars, and artificial sugar substitutes is confusing for anyone, especially those with diabetes.
The health risks associated with consuming too much sugar in your foods and drinks are alarming. But sugar is sneaky. When you think you figured it out, you look closely at nutrition labels, only to discover manufacturers have ways of hiding sugar in foods and drinks marketed as ‘healthy.’
When you know, a 16 oz bottle of Coke contains almost ten teaspoons of sugar; you think you’re making a better choice by reaching for a Diet Coke or Coke Zero. But recent studies suggest that fake sugars can also have unexpected effects on your gut and metabolic health and even promote food cravings and insulin resistance, leading to Type 2 diabetes. Not to mention, quitting Diet Coke can lead to headaches and withdrawal symptoms. I know because I’ve experienced the vicious cycle of quitting Diet Coke several times without much success.
And what about these murmurs that diet drinks make you fat? Morning TV shows love to share results from studies that have found using artificial sweeteners and drinking high amounts of diet soda is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. One study also reported a link between the high consumption of diet drinks and the increase in belly fat in older adults.
Drinking water is a great alternative. But if you’re like me, you enjoy a carbonated drink from time to time. So what do you do? A glance at the cold drinks shelves at my local bodega reveals a plethora of diet drinks. Every company offering a popular sugar-sweetened beverage now offers a sugar-free alternative. Each contains a list of ingredients a mile long with names only a scientist could understand.
If you’re wondering why sugar substitutes seem more prevalent in our food and drink choices, one reason could be the Food and Drug Administration’s proposal to stop companies from labeling a food “healthy” unless it adheres to strict new limits on added sugars. Savvy companies can conform to the proposed rules by replacing added sugars in foods with artificial sweeteners.
“When companies reformulate their foods to contain less sugar, it leads them to use more non-nutritive sweeteners,” said Jotham Suez, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told the Washington Post.
Studies show that when countries such as Chile and Australia instituted similar policies to reduce sugar consumption, there was an increase in artificially sweetened foods and beverages.
“These low-calorie sweeteners are ubiquitous in the food supply, and so people often aren’t even aware that they’re consuming them,” said Allison Sylvetsky, an associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at George Washington University.
Many sugar substitutes are often hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar. Some are synthetic, while others, like stevia and monk fruit extract, are referred to as “natural” because they’re derived from plants.
The confusion surrounding what to do makes me feel like I’m talking from two sides of my mouth. Divabetic has hosted several Sugar-Free Baking Programs on Zoom, and we have shared dozens of Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes. Both of these offerings have proven to be very popular with our community. We’ve even rewarded our followers with free gift baskets of popular artificial sweeteners. But after seeing the new findings, I’m unsure how to proceed.
The World Health Organization cautioned people to limit their intake of sugar substitutes because of their potential for “undesirable” long-term effects, including detrimental effects on gut and metabolic health.
What the heck is Gut Health?
Gut health refers to the health of the entire digestive system — the parts of our body responsible for breaking down our food into individual nutrients we use to run our bodies.
If you suffer from frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn, your gut has difficulty processing food and eliminating waste. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.
Health Studies Seem To Only Make It More Confusing!
According to a Cedars-Sinaistudy, one type of bacteria in the gut may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, while another may protect from the disease. The researchers admitted it is too early to know how people can change their microbiome to reduce their diabetes risk.
In the meantime, experts recommend using artificial sweeteners sparingly because science changing all the time. Many of these old and new sugar substitutes seem destined to spur ongoing concerns and confusion. All we can hope for is to use them in moderation as we strive to live our best diabetes lives.
Researchers estimate that about 2 out of every 100 people who are infected with Covid-19 will have a new diagnosis of diabetes.
Several studies have found a link between a new diabetes diagnosis and Covid-19 reports CNN.
People who had mild Covid-19 infections in Germany found that they were 28% more likely to have a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes compared with people who were never infected.
Americans who had recovered from Covid-19: a 40% increase in risk at least a year after infection.
It appears the more severe someone’s coronavirus infection was, the higher their risk of diabetes. For people who were treated in the ICU, the risk of diabetes jumped 276%. This connection could be related to the steroids that some patients get while receiving acute care in a hospital setting, which can increase blood sugar levels.
A number of studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can attack the beta cells of the pancreas (that produce insulin) and may cause at least temporary harm, if not more permanent harm.
Another theory is that acute inflammation might lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the body is still making insulin but grows resistant to it and thus cannot respond to it.
“We already are challenged to care for all of the people with diabetes that currently exist. The last thing we need is increasing the numbers,” Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and medical officer at the American Diabetes Association told CNN.
Words have the power to elevate or tear down someone’s perception of themselves and their diabetes health.
For decades, much of the language around diabetes has been focused on adverse outcomes and laden with judgment and blame without considering individual needs, beliefs, and choices.
On the other hand, encouraging and collaborative messages can enhance health outcomes.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Prince & The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol album courtesy of SONY Music.
After losing his job and insurance, Jeremy Crawford, 39, struggled to afford the insulin he needed to survive. He tried using Walmart insulin (retailing for $25), but it didn’t work well.
Some politicians like to point to Walmart-price insulins and say that there are low-cost alternatives. However, Walmart insulins just don’t perform nearly as well as the more expensive insulins. Insulins are not interchangeable as some industry leaders would like us to believe. Switching insulins can negatively affect the health of people with diabetes, making blood sugar mangement more irregular and raising A1C scores.
As Jeremey got sicker, he resisted calling 911 to get the help he needed because he could not afford it. He died from diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body starts breaking down fat at a rate that is much too fast. The liver processes the fat into a fuel called ketones, which causes the blood to become acidic.
We are shedding light on the tragic consequences of rationing insulin and DKA on Divabetic’s upcoming mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril, debuting in September 2021. Our most popular podcast’s cozy mystery format allows us to reach a broader audience to raise awareness for these critical issues.
No one with diabetes should die because they can’t afford their insulin.
The Right Care Alliance (RCA) is a grassroots coalition of clinicians, patients, and community members organizing to make health care institutions accountable to communities and put patients, not profits, at the heart of health care.
New reporting indicates that some patients who’ve recovered from COVID-19 are developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes according to Insider.
In an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers stated it was “plausible” that COVID-19’s effects on the body’s ability to metabolize glucose could either complicate existing insulin levels or create new issues, leading to the onset of diabetes.
Although some patients already had diabetes and were unaware of it until they were hospitalized for COVID-19, evidence also suggests that COVID-19 might be enough to worsen existing metabolic health issues into full-blown type 2 diabetes according to Dr. Jose Aleman, assistant professor of endocrinology at NYU Langone Health reports Insider.
“Stressful conditions lead to elevated levels of regulatory hormones that raise blood sugar to aid the body in fighting whatever insult it’s facing, such as illness or injury,” Aleman told Insider. “For people with underlying conditions, that can be enough to kick them over the edge.”
Back in April 2020, doctors in Wuhan, China first reported a link between COVID-19 and elevated blood sugar levels.
More than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it according to the Centers for Diabetes Control and Prevention. More than 88 million US adults—over a third—have prediabetes, and more than 84% of them don’t know they have it.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support event with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes empowerment meeting features a Hat & Face Mask Fashion Show presented by Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty and a Diabetes Educational Group Activity and Discussion presented by Maryann Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Don’t let anyone talk you out of your goals. Your diabetes wellness journey is yours alone. Brush off the negativity and surround yourself with people who will lift you up rather than pull you down.
Back in 2003 when I started Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) I was laughed at, shamed, belittled and told I was wrong by so many people for focusing on women living with, at risk and affected by diabetes. Vice President Elect, Kamala Harris’s words on today’s CBS Sunday Morning Show program spoke to my heart. I’m sitting down at my table and taking a big bite of ‘NO’ this morning.
Get a daily dose of positivity, encouragement, empowement from the real Divabetic. Tune into our free monthly podcasts, Diabetes Late Nite, available on blog talk radio and i-Tunes. Since 2005, Divabetic has been promoting attitude and advocacy to further your diabetes wellness.
We’re talking about a ‘New Year, New You‘ attitude about living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Aaliyah on January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Although Aaliyah died at the age of 22 and had a short music career due to her early passing, the singer’s music helped to redefine R&B, pop, and even hip-hop. And her legacy continues to live on. Her hard work ethic, creativity, and her sweet demeanor have inspired fans over the past two decades.
Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.
Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (search ‘Divabetic’).
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Medtronic announced that it will acquire Companion Medical, the manufacturer of InPen, a smart insulin pen system paired with an integrated diabetes management app.
The InPen is the only FDA-cleared, smart insulin pen system that combines the freedom of a reusable Bluetooth® pen with the intelligence of an intuitive mobile app that helps users administer the right insulin dose, at the right time.
“I’ve been an insulin pen user for a couple of decades and this is the first real advance in insulin pen technology.” – Matt, InPen user since 2019
Dose with the smart pen and rely on the app to track your data, get personalized recommendations, and keep an eye on your active insulin throughout the day. Now available for all ages*, InPen intelligence can give caregivers the confidence that they’re giving the right dose at the right time.
“This acquisition is an ideal strategic fit for Medtronic as we further simplify diabetes management and improve outcomes by optimizing dosing decisions for the large number of people using multiple daily injection (MDI). We look forward to building upon the success of the InPen by combining it with our intelligent algorithms to deliver proactive dosing advice personalized to each individual. This smart CGM system can help people think less about diabetes and be able to live life with more freedom, on their own terms,” said Sean Salmon, executive vice president and president of the Diabetes Group at Medtronic. ”Our goal is to become a trusted partner that offers consistent support whether an individual wants to stay on MDI, transition to automated insulin delivery or take a break from their pump.”
“InPen removes the human error out of diabetes management and offers dosage reminders,” says the InPen spokesperson in the video below.
https://youtu.be/N4jxjRb0KjI
We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food and The Baby-Sitter Clubon Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from 2Cellos. How realistic are these portrayals? How do we feel after viewing them? Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder, Marc Washington.
Throughout this podcast we will be featured music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Celloscourtesy of SONY Music.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but you do want to make healthier food choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are heavy in nutrition but light in calories.
During this virtual Cooking Party on Zoom,Chef Robert Lewis will prepare a recipe that won’t compromise your diabetes wellness.
Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic, is a nationally recognized author and motivational speaker who is passionate about helping people learn to live a healthier lifestyle. Chef Lewis graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1976. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998. Thus began his motivation to create great tasting dishes that are easy to prepare. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected by diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party with special guest Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’on Thursday, August 13, 2020, 7 – 7:40 PM, EST on Zoom.
Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents aged 12-18 years, and 1 in 4 young adults aged 19-34 years, are living with prediabetes, according to a new CDC studyexternal icon published today in JAMAexternal icon Pediatrics.
Prediabetes is a health condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The condition also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.
Experts say these numbers have risen over the past decade, putting young people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other conditions down the line.
“We’re already seeing increased rates of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications in youth and young adults, and these new findings are evidence of a growing epidemic and a tremendously worrisome threat to the future of our nation’s health,” said Ann Albright, Ph.D., director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. “Additional research is needed to support the development of interventions for youth and increasing access to programs that we know work for young adults, like the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.”
We’re talking about Weight Loss Journeys & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Jennifer Hudson on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Guests include Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Jennifer Hudson’s self-titled album, ‘Jennifer Hudson’ courtesy of SONY Music.
However, people without diabetes can get this type of hypoglycemia too.
A doctor can use tests to identify diabetes in people with the condition and prediabetes in those at risk.
Don’t miss Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6 – 7 PM, EST.
Mr. Divabetic’s culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the fictitiously decadent Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition at the Central Park Zoo. As if his dreadful combination of headless cookies and kale hot cocoa wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the culinary throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges. Things go from bad to worse when the snake phobic Mr. Divabetic needs a clue that’s guarded by a giant python.
Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?
The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR), Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones and Lorraine Brooks. We will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
This story of diabetes mystery and intrigue provides proof that you don’t have to feel trapped in a diabetes life. You can make changes, even tiny incremental ones, and get into a life that feels just right for you.
Taking vitamin D may help people with prediabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes slow down the progress of the condition according to scientists.
The team of a study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology found taking vitamin D improved how insulin worked in muscle tissue after six months. This new evidence supports previous studies which have shown a worldwide problem with vitamin D deficiency, and link the deficiency to an inability to process sugar.
Enjoy Divabetic’s 9th Year Anniversary of Diabetes Late Nite Podcasting with musical inspiration from P!nk. Guests include Beyond Type 2’s T’ara Smith, Catherine Lawrence , Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PHARMD, CDE, BC-ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Glamazon Beauty owner Kim Baker, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Hosted by the happiest health care “MC,” Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.
“There is no indication that A1C levels in the registry as a whole have improved despite an increase in the use of insulin pumps and CGM’s (continuous glucose monitors),” said the authors of the T1D Exchange Clinic Network’s “State of Type 1 Diabetes Management and Outcomes from the T1D Exchange in 2016-2018″.
The majority of both youth and adults surveyed aren’t meeting A1C goals defined by the American Diabetes Association.
The A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
While much of the report can be seen as disheartening, there are some great takeaways – CGM and insulin pump users tend to have lower A1Cs and less hypoglycemia, suggesting the need for improved access to these devices in the type 1 community.
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.
Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.
As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”